How Much Does Bosphorus Cruise Cost in 2024 + Tips

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Istanbul Bosphorus cruise cost attracts about hundred thousands of tourists every month, and finding the best cruise with great value for money, but with the quality of service will allow travelers huge savings. Here we’ll guide you to find the answer of the question “How much does an Istanbul Bosphorus cruise cost?”, top boat tours, options, prices with tips.

Bosphorus cruise is one of the best attractions in Istanbul, especially for first-time visitors. And you are able to find many best Bosphorus cruise companies that provide budget and good service.

Bosphorus Cruise Prices

There are variety of Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul and cost vary depending on the type of experience you’ll choose. Below are the average Bosphorus cruise prices with types.

Type of Bosphorus CruisePrice Range
Public Ferries€1 to €10 per person
Sunset Cruise€20 to €50 per person
Lunch Cruise€30 to €60 per person
Dinner Cruise€50 to €120 per person
Golden Horn€15 to €60 per person
Black Sea & Asian Shores€30 to €80 per person
Princes’ Islands€10 to €40 per person
Luxury Yacht Tour€50 to €300 per person0
Private Events€150 to €900 per person

Practical Information

Before you can sail the Bosphorus, you need to know about the different types of cruises you can take. In Istanbul, there is something for everyone, from cheap public ferries that let you see the sights to private yachts and boats that will give you more comfort and luxury. Since the prices can change a lot, having a clear idea of what you want will help you make a choice.


For travelers on a tight budget, public ferries are the best choice. These ships, which are like the city’s heartbeat, give you a real taste of life in the area for a lot less money than private tours.

You can choose 25-30 minutes typical domestic trip in between coastal neighborhoods or you can also choose the touristic trips called “Short Circle” and “Long Circle”. Shorter trips are better for people with limited time and money. It’s cheap here, and it’s fun to be around people and feel the pulse of the city in a way that’s only possible in Istanbul.

Middle cost themed cruises with excursion boats and mega yachts offer planned adventures that are more than just a ride along the Bosphorus. Top choices include Sunset Cruise, Lunch Cruise, and the Dinner Cruise with Entertainment. Because they offer more, they cost more than public ships. These cruises are a great way to experience a bit of luxury without going as far as an exclusive yacht. They offer delicious meals, entertaining shows, and the beautiful atmosphere of the setting sun or city lights.

Luxury private yachts are also very much taken.  These cruises will give people who are ready to spend a lot an exclusive and personal experience. The private yacht choice not only gives you privacy, but it also lets you plan a completely unique trip, changing every detail of the cruise to fit your needs, whether it’s for a surprise event or a romantic getaway.

Top Bosphorus Cruise Tickets

If you are looking for a great Bosphorus day or night out, don’t wanna read the whole page, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of the top 10 Bosphorus cruises and experiences!

Feel free to book online in advance (as you’ll get discounts), by choosing the eco-friendly option of online tickets. By avoiding printed tickets at the window, you’ll contribute to a sustainable and greener travel experience.

  1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table (the best dinner cruise, over 12.000 reviews, check them and enjoy)
  2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 1 (the best sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
  3. Bosphorus on Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side (great with stopover at Kanlica, we highly recommend)
  4. Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks (superb yacht cruise)
  5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 2 (another great sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
  6. Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show (superb dinner cruise on a catamaran, don't miss!)
  7. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table (great dinner cruise, check it out)
  8. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 3 (superb sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
  9. Maiden's Tower Ticket w/ Transfer & Audio Guide (cheapest price, the only Maiden's Tower fast track entry online ticket)

Bosphorus Cruise Cost by Types

Public Ferry Cost

You can whether choose domestic lines for neighborhood to neighborhood short travel, or take the touristic tours with options “Short Circle” and “Long Circle”.


No Regrets Booking Advice




A budget-friendly option is the Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferries, offering a local-like experience with prices ranging from approximately €1 to €10 per person. Check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all above routes, timetables and prices.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Public Ferries?

Sunset, Lunch, and Dinner Cruise Prices

Themed boat tours like the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise, Lunch Cruise, and Dinner Cruise with Entertainment are fun to go on at different times of the day and are great for people who want a more personalized experience. Even though these cost more than regular public ferries, the fine eating, entertainment, and beautiful views of the city lights or the setting sun make it well worth the extra money.

Many people find the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise to be a cheap way to see the city’s sites while enjoying a romantic cruise. The price range is usually between €20 and €50 per person.

The Bosphorus Lunch Cruise usually costs between €30 and €60 per person, so it’s a cheap way to see the sights and eat a tasty meal at the same time.


A more fancy evening is available on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment, which costs around €50 to €120 per person.

Specialized Routes Prices

There are also additional Bosphorus cruise routes beyond the traditional boat tours,  like the Bosphorus Cruise through the Golden Horn or through the Black Sea with a stopover on the Asian side. These boat tours also offer unique experience.

Exploring the Golden Horn on a cruise usually costs between €15 and €60 per person.

If you would like one throguh the Black Seawith a stopover on the Asian side, generally costs between €30 and €80 per person.

Princes’ Islands Cruise Prices

You’ll have about 75 minutes ferry ride to the Princes’ Island, the Buyukada. While you have a fantastic Bosphorus ride, you can admire the beautiful skyline of Istanbul at the open air deck, enjoy refreshments from the kiosk or listen to the stories about the Bosphorus from the audio guide app on your smartphone.

princes' island boat ticket

  • Round Trip Tickets mostly Include: Round-Trip ticket to the Princes’ Island, Fast track entry on boat from the online ticket window, audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese

Princes’ Islands Cruise costs around €10 to €40 per person. Cheapest price is the round trip ticket price at your own pace.

Luxury Yacht Tours and Private Events Prices

This is a fantastic new yacht cruise made on a luxury yacht for small groups (max. 15 people) with very affordable prices. You can take it at noon or at sunset for 2 hours. We highly recommend this cruise as you’ll feel yourself very special in this private chartered luxury yacht.

Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Tour typically costs between €50 to €300 per person.

And a great opportunity for the ones who are looking for a private yacht cruise along the Bosphorus for their special events such as birthday, proposal, wedding, anniversary and parties. All arrangements are made with the provider which is a certified operators.

Private Yacht Cruises tailored for special events like birthdays or proposals may range from €150 to €1000 or more, depending on the duration and services included.

How to Book a Bosphorus Cruise?

Booking a Bosphorus Cruise is quite simple. You can reserve your spot online through various tour websites, or directly purchase tickets at the Eminönü or Kabatas Piers. We recommend you buy tickets online from the trusted providers for a hassle-free experience,  especially during peak tourist seasons.

If you buy online you also will have skip-the-lines, and have chance to cancel and have a refund very easily. Below you can see the best Bosphorus cruises online tickets.

Book Your Bosphorus Cruise by Viator

Book Your Bosphorus Cruise by GetYourGuide


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